RYAN: MINOR IMPROVEMENTS WILL SEE SUCCESS

27 December 2017

Bennett Dean Mathew Ryan

Alex Stedman

Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mathew Ryan believes that the Seagulls can continue to be competitive in the top flight in the second half of the season if they can improve certain aspects of their game.

Chris Hughton’s men fell to a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday following a quick-fire double from the home side, and the Australian emphasised the need to eradicate minor mistakes from their game.

He said, “The mood in the dressing room at half time was upbeat because we were still in the game.

“There were a couple of half chances but that’s what goalkeepers like myself are for, and we had a few opportunities at the other end too.

“Against the big sides we’ve been in games and competed - perhaps with a bit more composure in the final third with our chances, we could have got something from them.

“You have to approach every game in the same way because everyone is human and it’s all about learning as quickly as we can this year and getting better at a few little things.”

Up until the break in west London, Ryan and the side had restricted the defending champions to few opportunities, and the goalkeeper highlighted that the nature of the double they conceded soon after the break was frustrating.

“It’s always disappointing to lose a game, but the way in which we conceded is disappointing too because the set-piece ones have happened too many times.

“We had a few warning sings too and when you don’t learn from your mistakes, you’ll get punished.”

The game against Antonio Conte’s men saw Albion move past the halfway point in their first-ever season in the Premier League, and the summer arrival from La Liga side Valencia believes that the Seagulls can be satisfied with their points total of 21 so far heading into the latter half of the campaign.

“We’re halfway through the season now and we have a nice little collection of points with a lot of positives to take.

“We have to keep moving forward now and look forward to Newcastle United who we’ve already beaten in a tight game earlier this season.

“The reoccurring theme is how much we can stick to a consistent level – in moments in matches we’ve been a bit naïve and the onus is on us and how well we can apply ourselves, if we can do that week-in week-out, we’ll win more matches.”